The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) is one of the UK’s most recognisable reality TV shows, known for its glamorous cast, dramatic storylines, and iconic Essex backdrops.
Filming takes place across several towns in Essex, with a strong focus on nightlife, restaurants, and lifestyle hotspots where cast members socialise.
Main TOWIE Filming Locations
Brentwood – The Heart of TOWIE
Brentwood is widely considered the spiritual home of TOWIE. Many of the original cast members were based here, and it remains a key filming location.
Popular spots include:
- The Sugar Hut – the show’s most iconic nightclub
- Faces Nightclub – another long-time cast favourite
- Brentwood High Street – often featured for casual scenes and meet-ups
Chigwell – Luxury Dining & Drama
Chigwell is known for its upscale vibe and regularly appears in TOWIE episodes.
Key venue:
- Sheesh Restaurant – a celebrity hotspot famous for extravagant meals and cast arguments
Loughton & Buckhurst Hill
These neighbouring areas are frequently used for filming due to their mix of stylish cafes and suburban lifestyle settings.
You’ll often see:
- Coffee shops and brunch spots
- Boutique shopping scenes
- Cast “catch-ups” filmed outdoors
Chelmsford – A Growing TOWIE Hotspot
While not the original home of the show, Chelmsford has increasingly featured in TOWIE episodes in recent years — especially as the cast has evolved.
Chelmsford offers a more modern, city-style backdrop compared to Brentwood, making it ideal for filming stylish social scenes.
Chelmsford venues linked to TOWIE-style filming:
- The Botanist Chelmsford – popular for cocktails and group scenes
- Bill's Chelmsford Restaurant – casual dining and daytime meet-ups
- Middletons Steakhouse & Grill Chelmsford – ideal for dinner scenes
- Bond Street – a key filming area with multiple restaurants and bars
These locations match the show’s signature mix of glamour, food, and social drama.